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Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region is territorial administrative unit of the Peoples Republic of China, which is situated on the northern-west part of the country. The total area of Xinjiang is one and half of million sq. km (about sixth part of China.). It is the biggest region among its provinces. The administrative centre is Urumqi. Xinjiang has borders with Mongolia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

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Urumqi

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Every year 74 billions of chopsticks for food are used in China.

Mao Zedong is depicted on each Chinese banknote.

The law which prohibits to have more than one child in family is not valid for village inhabitants.

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In spite of the complex procedure it is easy to get visa to China in the native country. First of all it is required to reserve room in hotels, to buy tickets for the way back, to make an itinerary etc. It is also possible to cancel booking of hotels and tickets after getting the visa and to enter the country for three month starting from the day when visa was issued.

If visa cannot be given for more than thirty days, so it is possible to get a double entry visa, so person will have an opportunity to enter the country twice for thirty days each time. Besides people can renew visa for several times and small towns are the best place for that.

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Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region is territorial administrative unit of the Peoples Republic of China, which is situated on the northern-west part of the country. The total area of Xinjiang is one and half of million sq. km (about sixth part of China.). It is the biggest region among its provinces. The administrative centre is Urumqi. Xinjiang has borders with Mongolia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

Hotan

Among endless sands of the Taklamakan desert on the south-east of Xinjiang region in China and to the north from Western Tibet situated the oasis where situated Hotan city – “birthplace of carpets” or “storehouse of nephritis”.

Hotan

The city is placed in the north-western part of China on the place of Karakash and Yurunkash rivers’ confluence and on the south of Xinjiang. This city is political, economic and cultural center of Xinjiang. The climate is so dry, that these rivers are dry up for period from spring till autumn. The Taklamakan desert is situated to the north from the city and there is also Kunlun Mountain which also influences on microclimate of the region.

Hotan was the largest transit point on caravan road and also it was a center of silk production. One of the first people, who inhabited oasis, was Scythian tribes which were living there in 1-st millennium BC. A lot of ethnic groups of Central Asia were also living here such as Tokhars and Sogdian people. Because of them there were started active trade processes on the Great Silk Road. Even the prominent traveler Marco Polo visited Hotan during his trip in 1274. According to the standards the modern Hotan is provincial city. It has population about 114 thousand people, where the most of them are Uygur people. There are no large factories and plants or other big industrial enterprises. One of the most important treasures of Hotan is – jade. During almost two thousand years it was the main provider of jade. The jade is obtained in its surrounding areas and local people create gorgeous and beautiful masterfully made manufactures of applied art from this wonderful stone.

There is a custom among locals of preserving and passing a thing made of jade from one generation to another. Besides most of such things is more than one thousand years. Close to Hotan city situated one sightseeing place of the city called “Mazatakh” mountain or “Mountain of graveyards”; it is also called Red-white Mountain as one side of this mountain is red and another is white. Ancient writings on the wllas of the cave inside this mountain were remained till present days. Hotan is also known by carpet weaving, as carpets from Hotan are considered as one of the best carpets all over the world. There is a small factory in the city where local women weave carpets by hands.

Speaking about the sites of Hotan it is important to note that it is cradle of Buddhism in China. More than 3 000 years ago the first Buddhist monks came to this territory and brought knowledge of Buddhist Sutra. Their mummified remains are still found in archeological diggings on Kunlun Mountain. The relics of the monks are exhibited in Hotan Museum of culture, which was opened in 1995. There are also exhibited evidences of Xinjiang culture: manuscripts, sculptures of Buddha, ceramics and crafts made of jade.

Chinese jade

In spite of that nephritis and China are synonyms this decorative stone wasn’t mined in China. For the first time ever discovered in sedimentary rocks of the rivers of Xinjiang –Uygur Autonomous region. Its color (usually it is green) depends from concentration of metals oxides which are included in its structure. It is possible to distinguish nephritis from jadeite by touch because of oiliness.

The surface of jadeite is very smooth and it contains plenty of admixtures, because of which it can be white, apple-green and blue. Mostly it may be found in Myanmar (Burma). Nephritis which is met in Hong-Kong is cheaper and it’s rich by calcium fluorite.

Hotan Museum

Hotan Museum is placed in the center of the city. There are demonstrated more than 400 cultural relics. Exhibits include color ceramics, ancient coins, silk and woolen cloths, documents on wood cuttings, wooden sculptures for the last 2 000 years. Hotan museum was opened in 2005 and its total square is 4,066 sq. m. It also contains 10 thousand cultural monuments and more than 600 ancient documents.

Exhibition hall on the ground floor shows ancient civilization of the city and colored wooden coffins. The exhibition hall on the first floor includes the exhibits of Uygur customs and traditions. Visitors get know about jade production, carpet weaving, dresses, ancient monuments and tombs.

Grand Bazaar of Hotan

Every Sunday people from 3 counties: Hotan, Lop and Karakash on carts or on bicycles come to this bazaar to buy any needed goods. There is great opportunity to see local coloring: crowds of customers and sellers are walking everywhere. One can also see how the masters make jade goods under open air. Here you can buy products made of jade and silk, carpets, different kinds of wines, knives, handmade wooden goods, headdresses – hats, caps etc.

The bazaar is located on the north-eastern edge of the city not far away from railway station. There is also road of state value 315 near the bazaar.

Carpet factory of Hotan

The most popular carpets of Xinjiang are Hotan carpets. These carpets are manufactured in Hotan Carpet factory. Carpet factory was constructed in 1950. 300 people are engaged in this factory (250 workers and 50 employees; 150 workers are engaged on summer period). For each carpet making are engaged about 2-8 workers, cause it depends from the width of the carpet. The factory produces carpets for cities and provinces of China as well as for foreign countries like USA, Austria, Germany, Great Britain, France, Japan etc.

Weaver’s looms are about 2-3 meters high and they are placed in each sewing workshop of the factory. Uygur craftswomen sort colored woolen and silk threads sitting on the small stools over the large wooden weaver’s looms and creating the artwork. Most of production goes to other countries, decorating and making houses cozy on different continents. The demand on these wonderful fluffy handiworks is large in China.

Kashgar

Kashgar is the city, which is standing alone among deserts and mountains, remote from large settlements and far from the sea. In ancient times it was the famous center of trading around the whole world

Sunday Bazaar

Kashgar always was well-known trade center, where West with East met together; it was the city, where northern, southern and central routes of the Great Silk Road intersected. In fact Kashgar represented a large market standing on the crossroad of civilizations where gathered all traders from every part of the world in order to sell or buy various goods. For the two millenniums almost nothing has changed, because it is still didn’t lose its economic value and confirmation of this is grandiose Sunday Bazaar (Ekshenba). Market square is divided into 2 sections: one is open every day and represents ordinary market, the second section works on.

Sundays only and exactly this second part is a main sight of Kashgar. Hundreds of thousands peasants and nomads come here on their donkey carts and pedicabs from close surroundings. Some traders come here from neighboring countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan. This motley crowd in their national clothes represents indescribable spectacle; variety of goods impresses the imagination. It seems that you found yourself in the medieval bazaar: traders show the teeth of their horses and praise their cows or chicken; near people sell handmade tools, hand-woven clothes and sharp knives, carpets, pans, leather goods, Turkish tea-pots, Iranian saffron, etc. Handmade Uygur hats with colored embroidery and cashmere shawls. Jade and silver jewelers may be bought on very cheap prices if you would bravely trade with customers. One can taste dishes of different national minorities.

Etigart mosque (Id Kakh)

The ancient narrow streets are leading to spacious square Id Kakh (tr-n “festive”) on which there is towering Etigart mosque – the center of the old city. The biggest mosque was constructed in China in 1442 by order of Kashgar ruler Shakesymyrdza on the place of former Muslims graveyard in order to let believers contact with souls of dead relatives. Last time the mosque was reconstructed during its existing after Cultural Revolution and it remained its initial appearance. The central gates which are 12 meters in height and 2 minarets covered with small yellow tile what gives a nice view to complex; they are visible from the side of the square.

The minarets, from where muezzin calls Muslims for prayer, are crowned with crescent.Chinese architecture didn't influence on Etigart mosque: the appearance of the complex reminds traditional Middle East mosques. So there are only few mosques in China which are similar to Etigart mosque. There is placed spacious yard: lush crown of old poplars and pines give this place thick shadow, therefore it is always cool and convenient here. Visitors have a great opportunity to see such a large number of ceramic vessels around the pound in the yard, which they use for ritual ablution before prayers. Among 36 halls of this mosque the main prayer hall deserves special attention. Thousands of religious people come here for prayer.

Kashgar old city

Old blocks of Kashagar city has an indescribable charm of middle ages: narrow winding streets, randomly built ancient low houses made of bricks and clay, numerous squares, where the whole bazaar fits on the large space – it seems that the time machine brought this city from far past. Barefoot kids are running on lanes; women who are famous by their beauty around China hide their faces behind the veil. Kashgar used to be the most important city on the Great Silk Road, and locals didn’t lose their ability to conduct a brisk trade: shops, stores, restaurants and craft workshops which can be found in quite unexpected places in labyrinth of crooked streets. Uygurs offer their goods with such mastery that you couldn’t help buying anything from them.

These narrow streets lead to spacious Id-Kakh square, the biggest mosque of China Etigart. The clock tower is placed on this square. If you return to labyrinth of streets and go to southern destination, you will find the fragments of ancient clay fortress wall of old city. There are a lot of various hostels far away from this place. Hostels are placed in former buildings of embassies – British (“Qinniak” hotel) and Russian (“Seman” hotel).

The street of artists

As for 2 000 years Kashgar was the crossroad of the Great Silk Road and was important trade center, a lot of traders with caravans came here in order to sell, buy and change, therefore trade is the main activity in Kashgar. It is easy to sure in that, if you go through the streets of the city, you will see that every part of the street is occupied by stores. The main street is the Artists’ street which stretches until the Id-Kakh square. The narrow street of 1 km length contains more than hundred old workshops and stores, where Uygurs in traditional clothes sell various handicrafts, made on the place as a rule.

Earlier these shops were working only for local population, however nowadays tourists are interested in that, so you should pay your attention to the quality, when you buy things. Plenty of people are crowded on this lively street: women, whose faces are hidden behind the shawls, beautiful girls, men, travelers, etc. The whole street is like a kaleidoscope of colored goods, bright clothes and unique faces. The most attractive goods among others are silk carpets, which can decorate any house. Local women go there in order to buy Uygur headdresses with golden embroidery or ceramic tableware. It is possible to buy here different forged products, handmade knives, national jewelry, wooden goods with fine carving, copper tea-pots and other handmade products.

Apakh Khodja Tomb

The legend about Uygur Princess Xiangfei (what means “fragrant concubine”), the princess of Qin dynasty, who took herself own life in the end of the18th century, tells that Apakh Khodja Tomb was the place where she was intered; it is also known as the bierdf; of princess Xiangfei . This tomb is one of the most significant shrines of Kashgar, which is spaced 5 km away from the city center. Beside Xiangfei and her grandfather Abakh Khodja here were buried 70 people – 5 generations of the local rulers’ family.

This tomb is constructed in traditional Uygur style of architecture. The square of this building is 20 000 sq. m. The mausoleum is claded with green tile, decorated with complicated ornament. The main gateway opens to the south; a big pavilion is situated near it; in this pavilion placed mosque and the main tomb. Men's and women's graves are covered with variegated cloth. There is mosque with a big prayer hall located in the area of the complex, arched gates, fruit gardens, etc.

Mor Buddhist Pagoda

Mor Pagoda is placed approx. thirty kilometers away to the north-east from Kashgar city and it represents ancient Buddhist ruins. This construction was built in the time of Tan dynasty ruling and it has thousand year history. Pagoda consists of oval ground tower and terrace. Oval tower is twelve meters high and inside it is empty. There is a large high terrace near the tower - this is a main building related to Buddha.

There two pagodas in Mor Pagoda remained from ancient times: the ruins of monks’ houses and underground channels in 1 km length (the place, from where monks took the water). At the bottom of the ancient temple ruins there is a burnt tree, therefore they say that temple was destroyed by fire.

Makhmud Kashgary mausoleum

Makhmud Kashgary was the prominent Uygur scientist, the descendant of Karakhanid dynasty - a ruling dynasty in Central Asia in the eleventh century. Kashgary was the creator of the great “Dyvan Lugaty at-Turk” (Turk language dictionary). The mausoleum is constructed on a high hill in traditional Islamic architectural style (about 70 meters high) and it covers the area of 1200 sq. m.

The museum of scientist’s works is placed in northern part of the tomb. There is hanging a huge portrait of Makhmud Kashgary in the main hall of the museum. Different versions of the Turk language dictionary and different chronicles about scientists are exposed in museum. There are a great number of trees and plants around the mausoleum which give a beautiful view to the whole construction. The tombs of Kashgary’s relatives are also positioned over the mausoleum.

Oman Nisha Khan Mausoleum

Oman Nisha Khan is outstanding poetess of Xinjiang in the 15th century. She is collector and composer of Uygur national classic music “Twelve Muqam”. Oman Nisha Khan Mausoleum occupies the area of 1050 sq. km. It consists of royal palace Aletun and a mosque. The mausoleum is twenty two meters in height; the length and the width are ten meters both.

The name of the music “Twelve Muqam” is engraved on the walls of the tomb-palace. The mausoleum is built in national Islamic architectural style.

Karakuly Lake

Karakuly Lake is a real pearl encircled by mountains and deserts. It is placed 200 km away from Kashgar city, 3652 meters above the sea level and it lies at the foothill of Pamir Mountains, which snowy peaks reflect in azure water. There are three highest peaks which stand out among others: Muztagata (7546 m). “The father of Ice Mountains”), Kongur (7719 m) and Kongurtube (7595 m), which as three warriors guard this priceless pearl.

There are small grasslands around this lake where Kyrgyz people live in yurts and ranch. The water of the lake is clear and cold all seasons; usually locals use it for drinking, therefore the swimming in this lake is not allowed. Here you can spend a night in local yurts and have hiking. Visitors of the lake should better put on warm clothes in night time, because it is cold in summer time too.

Opal village

Opal village is the place located 28 miles to the west from Kashgar. Opal is the rich agricultural oasis, where the tomb of prominent and famous Uygur philologist of 11th century Makhmud Kashgari. Makhmud Kashgari, renowned scholar of Turkish culture in western Xinjiang and other parts of Central Asia, compiled a widely acclaimed Turkic dictionary in Arabic.

The present mausoleum of Opal’s native son was rebuilt in 1983, and several rooms are devoted to an exhibition of his works and local archeological finds, including a large pottery shard showing a bearded foreign king crowned with vine leaves. Several ancient Buddhist caves in complete ruin are situated in the bluff behind the tomb. The travelers have great opportunity to visit local market of Opal village. This market is smaller than market in Kashgar because of equally authentic atmosphere, in spite of it is less chaotic.

Kuqa

Kuqa is a city situated in the central part of Xinjiang-Uygur autonomous region and in the central area of northern edge of Tarim hollow.

Kyzyl Thousand Buddha Caves

Kyzyl Thousand Buddha Caves - are the earliest and largest caves on the Great Silk Road, which were announced as protected monuments of state value in 1961. The building of these caves started in the 3rd – 4th cent. BC and continued for 500-600 years. Kyzyl Thousand Buddha Caves, Mogao caves in Dunhuang of Gansu province, Yungan caves in Datun of Shansy province and Lunmen caves of Henan province are known as “Four major caves in China”. Till present time there were found 339 caves, 167 of them have 7-storey roof, which is called by scientists as the “composite seven-storey roof”. These caves are unique in China. The caves are divided into several areas: western area, area inside the valley, eastern area and mountain area (duration is 3 km).

There remained various works of art: architecture, sculpture and fresco painting. There are 236 coded caves; the fresco paintings with total square 10000 sq. m are remained in these caves. These fresco paintings show hermit life and Buddha’s sermon in teaching of Hinayana. There are also several sculpting clays in the caves: the statue of Buddha 6 meters in length, which is the biggest statue of Buddha among others in Kuqa caves.

Kuqa mosque

Kuqa Mosque is the second largest mosque after “Id-Kakh” (Etigart) mosque in Xinjiang. The mosque qas constructed in the 16th cent. BC, when the founder of Ishan movement – Iskhak Valy came to Kuqa from Kashgar and spread his teaching in Kuqa. Initially it was just the clay mosque, but in 17-th cent. It was restored in 1923 after destroying by fire. After that it was reconstructed again in 1931 due to the finances of Eirym Aga. The mosque consists of big and small prayer houses, minaret, gates with arch and tower for watching the moon. They watched the moon in order to get know the exact date of post beginning. The minaret is 20 meters in height.

The total area of prayer house is 1165 km and it can fit more than 3000 followers of Islam. The courtyard is placed in front of the entrance; the big and small prayer houses are placed on the left side, they are supported by 88 polyhedral cylindrical wooden columns with stone pedestals; there are various wood carved paintings on the cover of the columns. This mosque is constructed in Uygur architectural style.

There are only 3 minarets 20-meters in height, which are standing near the arch of the gates. It is possible to see the whole city from these minarets. The prayer house consists of hall (middle room), side rooms and extra rooms. Doors and columns are decorated with wood carving. The mosque is high and magnificent shows, and it shows the high level of technology.

Kuqa Royal Palace

Kuqa Royal Palace occupies territory of 40000 sq. m and it is the palace which combines Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Kuqa Royal Palace contains Kuqa Museum, The Museum of Kuqa Royal Palace monuments and Museum of national traditions. It was constructed by Chinese builders in 1759, which were sent by Chinese Emperor of Tsin dynasty to glorify local Uygur leader for his assistance in suppression of the younger and older Khodja rebellion. By the beginning of this century there were remained part of rooms and city wall in Kuqa original Royal palace. In 2004 Kuqa Royal Palace was reconstructed by government of Kuqa city and as the last ruler of Kuqa was Dauti Mekhsuti, the government of Kuqa also built a residence for this last ruler.

After that Kuqa Royal Palace is opened for visitors. The current royal palace consists of ruler’s residence and small residence, which adjoin to each other on west eastern direction. The residence of ruler situated on the west side, four buildings are located on two lines in southern and northern side. The sightseeing area includes exhibition area “Royal Palace”, “Kuqa museum” area and “Ancient city wall” area. There was constructed such buildings as summer house, tower, rooms for royal house, small bazaar and other buildings. All these architectural buildings are constructed in peculiar style and have clear ethnic features.

Kuqa ancient city

The perimeter of Kuqa ancient city is about 8000m, the length of the north wall is 2000m, the south wall is 1806m, the east wall is 1646m, the west wall is 2200m. Except ruins of the east, south and north walls, the west wall is totally ruined. Kuqa ancient city has square shape; the city wall height is about 2-7m. It is a cob wall with 1 embrasure of 40m.

In 1985 a famous archeologist of China Huan Wenby did archeological excavations and discovered such archaeological finds as stone implements, bone products, pieces of painted pottery, copper products, small copper coins of nominal value 5 chju of Han dynasty, Kuqa ancient city coins, small copper coins “Kaiyuan Tunbao” of Tan dynasty. Kuqa princedom was one of three west region princedoms (Siyuy). In Kuqa ancient city was developed musical and dancing arts.

Subbashi ancient city

Subbashi ancient city (special name: Chjaokhuli temple) was built during the period of the Wei dynasty and the West and East Czin dynasty. Kumardjiva - Buddhist mentor of Kuqa ancient city, a great translator of the Buddhist canons in ancient China, gave there his lessons. This temple prospered during the Sui and Tan dynasties; Syuanczan monk of the Tan dynasty also stayed there more for than two months. In the middle of the seventh century (658 AD) Ansi viceroyalty of the Tan dynasty resettled to Kuqa; this ancient city became the place of meeting of many monks and Buddhist mentors. Everyday there were given sermons of Buddhism; morning bell ring and evening drum sound stirred up the air, the pilgrims went there incessantly.

At the end of the Tan dynasty (ninth century) this temple fell into decay and was abandoned in the 13th – 14th centuries. Nowadays most of the walls are reconstructed; the temple is divided into two parts: east temple and west temple. There are prayer hall, pagoda and statue of Buddha in the east temple; magnificent prayer hall and extant square pagoda in the west temple. In the northern part of the temple 17 Buddha Caves with a great view are located, where still preserved the ruins of the wall painting and carved writing of the ancient Kuqa.

Turpan

Turpan was a very significant point of the Silk Road placed 112 miles away from Urumqi in the Turpan hollow. Locals call this is the lowest and hottest part of Xinjiang as a “Flamy land” and “Hell's Gateway”.

Jiaohe Ruins

One of the most amazing architectural sites of the world is hiding in the Yarnaz valley 11 km to the west from Turpan. This is an ancient Jiaohe city with 2300-year history situated in the forest plateau between the two rivers on a small island cliff. The name of Jiaohe city means “Rivers’ weaving” or “interfluve”. Jiaohe the pise citiy which is remained better than others. The city is placed on the hill 30 m in height, 1600 m in length and approx. 300 m in width, what released the city from need of fortifications; therefore the city had never been surrounded by walls. City was dried in dry air under beams of the sun and retained its ancient appearance till present days.

Jiaohe was also the part of the Silk Road and was ruined in the 13th century in 40-year old war. In spite of destruction it is possible to see streets and remains of constructions, where there were placed shops, taverns, administrative centers or houses. Some of flats are remained so good that it is still could be recognized fireplaces, windows and niches in walls, which served as shelves for different household items. It is easy to recognize the main street which differs by dense building development, crossing the city from north to south. The ruins of the city gates tower on two sides from the main street. The silhouette of big Buddhist temple built in 360 year and ancient pagoda can be seen and recognized in the northern part of Jiaohe. Ruins are open daily from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Astana burial ground

Astana burial ground – is the ancient burial place in Goby desert located not far away from ruins of Gaochang city. Beginning from the 3rd - 8th century AD such inhabitants of Gaochang as aristocrats, officials and commoners were buried there. In total graveyard occupies about 8 sq. km of territory and it is one of the most valuable information sources for modern researchers of Turpan. Nowadays there were found about 500 burial places, but only three of them are available for tourist view. Because of dry climate the buried bodies dried and turned into mummies. A great interest for scientists represent funerary paper and textile objects, which in spite of materials fragility remained in a good condition in hot sands and didn’t rot.

Absolutely priceless material for studying of ancient way of life in Xinjiang became such paper products as caps and shoes. Each tomb represents small cave with pebble floor and sloping corridor leading to the cave. The walls of some tombs are decorated with writings with different plots, among which images of the main postulates of Confucianism. Many tombs were decorated with paintings on cloth or paper with the images of Chinese Gods

Grape valley

Turpan is usually called as the grape capital of China. visitors have a great possiblity to get full understanding about grape culture in Turpan and to taste the most delicious grades of grapes in Grape valley. Grape valley is situated at the foothill of Flaming Mountains 13 km away from Turpan and stretches for 8 km from north to south and for 0.5 km from west to east. Large paradise garden with total area 400 ha is planted with grape as well as with fruit trees. Plantation is irrigated with the help of ancient kyariz irrigation system, which history has lasted more than 2000 years. The water from melting glaciers of Tien-Shan comes in special wells, from where water goes to fields and cities on complicated system of underground and ground channels. In summer, when Turpan looks like molten stone, Grape valley turns into small oasis, where grape vines give a cool shadow.

Tashgar grape – is one of the sweetest kinds of grape in the world; sugar share in juicy grape berry is 22-26%. White seedless grape is called “Tashgar emerald”. It is so sweet that it is recommended to make a mouth rinsing in order not to avoid harm of teeth. Especially delicious is Turpan raisin dried by the winds from the side of desert in a special room with opening in walls. The sugar content in this raisin is 75%. After desert and sun take away all moisture from berries, they keep the taste and fragrance. The best time for visiting the Grape valley is August – when there is a Grape Festival on plantations. Beautiful Uygur women in bright national clothes put juicy bunches of grape in baskets and national songs may be heard everywhere.

Flaming Mountains

Sultry Turpan, blown by hot winds from the desert side, is sometimes called as the gates of the hell because of very high temperature and lack of rains. In summer the air temperature may increase to 49 degrees and ground temperature – to 82 degrees. Flaming Mountains are one of the spurs of Tien-Shan – stretch for 98 km on the northern edge of desert Takla-Makan and from west to east for 9 km. The average height of ridge is 500 m; the highest peak is 831 m above the sea level. During millions of years volcanoes erupted lava flowing down the mountains and formed numerous ravines on the slopes of yellow-orange ridges.

Because of this peculiarity when the sun goes down it paints cracks of mountain and slopes look like giant tongues of flame. Flaming Mountains are known among the traders because Silk Road passed through Turpan, therefore there a lot of legends and stories about these mountains. Mountains also were also described in one of episodes of the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West”, which was written in 1590. In spite of that desert wind burns face, the ground is so hot that soles of shoes start to melt, the only wonderful thing is a beautiful landscape on sunset, when mountains look like a flame dragon.

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

These caves are the most valuable among other caves devoted to Buddha in Turpan surroundings. Bezeklik caves are placed 45 km away from Turpan high in rocks in western part of the Mutou valley. A beautiful view to Flaming Mountains, dunes and green valley with small river opens from the height. Only 57 caves of Bezeklik complex remained from ancient times, where 40 of them stores unique frescos created in between the 5th and 9th century. As usually in such cult caves the main personage of paintings is Buddha. Wall paintings in caves give the view about the past of this region.

Some of frescoes represent foreign merchants of European appearance who bring gifts for Buddha. It is possible to see also the paintings of streets of ancient kingdom, inscriptions on Uygur, Chinese and other languages, which represent priceless historical source of information. Some Bezeklik caves were destroyed in ancient times because of different clashes, but in spite of that there remained interesting examples of wall paintings. In the cave #16 there is painted a musician playing on ancient instrument like lute, which came to this land from another province. This fact proves that there was a cultural exchange between northern and southern part of China in ancient times.

Gaochang ruins

The ruins of ancient city Gaochang stand among velvet sands of Goby desert. Many years ago when this city was prospering, it was compared with brilliant precious stone inlaid in lifeless desert. Gaochang is situated at the foothill of Flaming Mountains 46 km to the south-east from Turpan. Ruins of Gaochang remained till nowadays better than other ancient cities excepting Jiaohe city and this is a main sightseeing of Xinjiang. Ancient city was constructed in the 1st century BC by Huns as military colony. At first city was named Gaochang fortress, then Kharakhodja, later Dukhu what means “Royal city”. Gaochang became in a key section of Silk Road because of development of trading relations between far countries and China.

Buddhism got there through this legendary road and Gaochang became one of the first centers of this doctrine on the territory of China. During many years city was passed from hand to hand. Today ruins of the brick walls remind about its former glory. Ruins occupy territory about 2 sq. km. Planning of the city reminds traditional scheme of Tang cities. Generally Gaochang consist of inner city, outer city and Palace part. Beside ancient buildings of Gaochang it is possible to see several temples, where remained altars and niches for Buddha statues. Doors of Gaochang are open for visiting every day from 10 a.m. till 7 p. m.

Tuygou canyon

Tuygou canyon is situated in 55 km to the east from Turpan and 15 km from Gaochang ruins. It stretches from the ancient Subeisy village to the Maza village. It is almost unknown placefor foreign tourists, thus it is popular among Muslim pilgrims and it is one of the most enigmatic and sacramental places in Western China. There are Uygur villages built in primitive architectural style in this gorge, where the most attractive for tourists is Tuyoq village.

The Muslim people consider this Uygur village as a shrine: an ancient mosque towers in the heart of the village and besides it is older than popular Emin Minaret. Other local sightseeing places are – mazars (graveyards), which are more ancient that Astana burial land. Because of remoteness from cities and severe climate Tuyoq village remains untouched touristic business corner with its medieval appearance. Few kilometers away from canyon there are popular Thousand Buddha Caves – ancient Buddhist cave complex. In 2008 eight kilometers away from Tuygou were found 2700-years old mummy of European race in the Yankhai burial ground.

Tuyoq village

Tuyoq village is the ancient village located 70 km east of Turpan in a lush gully carved into the Flaming Mountains. Tuyoq is a beautiful, timeless village with a friendly Auger community. It is surrounded by vineyards and famous for its oval-shaped seedless grapes, the raisins of which are well known in Beijing. Albert von Le Coq discovered the ruins of Buddhist cave temples here in 1905, ‘clinging like a swallow’s nest to the almost perpendicular slope of the mountainside’.

These caves are thought to be the oldest in the Turpan area and date from the fourth century. Part of the monastery perched atop one of the cliffs fell into the gorge in 1916 during an earthquake. Behind the vineyards, which surround Tuyoq village, there are caves and a mosque. The dome of the mosque is visible behind mud-brick houses and the green valley. The caves are situated one kilometer upriver in the gulley. Only nine caves contain traces of frescoes, three of which are locked.

Karez irrigation system

Water supply always was the main problem of Xinjiang inhabitants. Especially that was the problem of oasis-cities such as Turpan and Kashgar surrounded by deserts and mountains, where annual precipitation hardly exceeded for 20 mm, besides the temperature in summer could reach +50̊C. In order to survive in such climatic conditions ancient inhabitants more than 2000 years ago started to construct one of the most grandiose engineering systems of China – Karez irrigation system. System represents the complex of underground and ground channels connected with each other by vertical wells. Water flows in underground channels from special wells dug on the slopes of mountains.

In Turpan for instance water flows into wells from melting glaciers of Tien-Shan, from where it runs to cities and fields through the underpass. Generally the length of channels in Xinjiang is about 5000 km and therefore this system was called underground Great Wall of China. It is very hard to imagine how it was difficult to construct such a great number of underpasses, due to it arid cities of the Great Silk Road could exist. Only due to Karez appeared a possibility of cultivation of fruits including the sweetest grape and garnets in China. In spite of the age of Karez system, there remained a lot of working wells and channels around Turpan. In addition Karez system has another function – function of natural of air conditioning. Tourists can see this ancient system of irrigatin on the route from Jiaohe to Turpan.

Emin Minaret

Turpan city preserved till present days the monuments of ancient Uygur architecture among which the best sample is Emin minaret – the oldest and biggest tower in Xinjiang. Emin minaret is the only Muslim tower among hundreds of well-known towers of China. It is situated 2 km to the east from Turpan city and it was built in 1777 in honor of Turpan hero – Emin Khodja general. This man was outstanding patriot, who devoted his life to the struggle for unification of China. After Emin’s death his elder son Suleiman became the ruler of Turpan who constructed minaret in memory of father and in gratitude to Beijing government.

Two steles with Chinese and Uygur inscriptions are placed at the entrance to minaret. Stele with hieroglyphs tells about the aims of minaret construction: it praises Jing government and exploits of Emin Khodja and Uygur inscriptions praise Allah. Minaret is cone-shaped tower in traditional Islamic style 44 m in height and 10 m in base diameter. There is brick spiral staircase with 72 steps which stretches till the very ceiling. There is also a small platform upstairs but it is prohibited to climb up to it. The tower is made of brick and it is covered with various traceries and ornaments. The tower is open every day from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m.

URUMQI

Urumqi is a popular excursion destination. Since the times of Great Silk Road it is a place where cities with unique culture, wonderful alpine meadows and picturesque gorge with white poplar were placed.

The Great Silk Road

The Great Silk Road - is one of the most grandiose and ancient system of caravan roads, which served as the main connecting link between West and East during almost two millenniums and took a part in cultural exchange between ancient countries. German geographer gave this name as silk was the main transported goods. The fist Chinese caravan came out on the road in 121 year BC: camels with precious cloth and bronze products went through the sands of Turpan cavity and Fiery Mountains to the Fergana Oasis. When the road was completely formed it consisted of 3 lines. It started from Xian city and reached Xinjiang, from where the road divided into three destinations: northern, central and southern.

It passed almost through all of Xinjiang cities therefore in these centuries there have been collected a lot of monuments which give information about caravan road. Beside the silk there were a lot of goods which were popular in overseas countries such as best-known white Chinese porcelain with graceful paintings and which was very expensive in Europe, jewelries, mirrors, umbrellas, tea, Chinese paperspices and cinnamon, vines, perfumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, weapon, gold, silver, glass, tea etc. Nowadays it is possible to travel around the territory of the Great Silk Road and visit cities lost in desserts

Red Mountain

The Red Mountain is towering in the very heart of Urumqi is a symbol of this city. Because of special type of sandstone, mountain has red-brown color, that’s why it is called as a Red Mountain. It stretches for 1.5 km from north to south and for 1 km from east to west. There is a big park near the foothill, where you can climb to the top of the mountain, or take a boat and watch ethnic performances.

There is a Zhenlongta pagoda on the top, which is 10 meters in height and it was built after formation of In the opposite side of China on the place of former “Dragon’s conquests” pagoda. In front of Red Mountain less than in 1 km there is towering Yamalike hill, which were the one whole mountain and according to the legend it was divided into two after killing red dragon, where its two parts formed this two hills. The ruler of China Shan-Han ordered to build these two pagodas because he wanted to protect the territory of the city from flood, as once the river overflew. Pagodas were made of grey brick, each of them are in 10.5 meters in height and consist of 9 floors. There is also a complex of Buddhist Temples on the Red Mountain. It is open daily from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m

Lavender plantations of Khochen County

Imagine endless field covered with bright violet flowers, planted in slim lines between which it is almost impossible to see green leaves. A placatory flavor is spread over the field. It is surprising to see such lavender fields in hot county of Xinjiang. Khochen is the first in the top eight world manufacturers of this flower in China. In the past Khochen was the key point on the route of the Great Silk Road and always was one of the cultural, financial and political centers of Xinjiang. In the middle of the 20th century here was the first time of growing Lavender, when the specialists from Beijing Botanical Garden have come to do that.

After some time Khochen county became the lavender capital of Celestial. As a rule lavender blossoms in the middle of June. In this time all plantations look like Indian clothes painted in rich tones of violet color. This is the best time for visiting these fields, because later they will be gathered and go to perfumery factories.

Tianchi Heavenly Lake in Tien-Shan Mountains

This lake is placed high in the mountains under the shade of Bogdo-Ula mountain ridge. Tianchi lake is positioned 110 km away from Urumqi 2000 meters above the sea level with the length 3.3 km and width 1.5 km. Locals call this pace as a “pearl of heavenly mountain” (“Tien-Shan” means “heavenly mountain” from Chinese). The lake is filling by waters of melting snow, therefore the water inside is crystal clear. As most of the territory of Xinjiang consist deserts and mountains Tianchi Lake become a real oasis for inhabitants. Water is always cool and refreshing. Picturesque peaks of mountains covered with eternal snows, pine forests and meadows.

The most impressing among them is Bogdafen peak with the height more than 6000 meters. Earlier the lake was called as “Yaochi” what means “nephrite lake” from Chinese language; but its modern name was given in 1783. It is possible to see flying eagles in the sky during the trip along Tianchi Lake. One can also fishing there and spend night in yurt. It is very cold in winter time, that’s why it is better to visit lake from May to September.

Southern grasslands

The former name of Urumqi was Djungar what means from ancient Mongolian language “wonderful grassland”. Thus this name was given to the city millenniums ago it still didn’t lose its actuality. The territory of wonderful Southern pastures which have total area about 119 sq. km starts only in one hour drive away from city.

Valleys covered with thick green grass stretched along the northern foothill of Karawuquntag mountains. In summer time this place become a real resort, where local Kazakhs, Uygurs, Uzbeks and tourists have rest in yurts on banks of the rivers. Here one can make breathtaking trip to waterfall, see the settlements of Kazakh nomads who always gladly meet foreigners. If you’re lucky these hospitable people will invite you in yurt and treat some milky tea, cheese and fried lamb. It is better to take the warm clothes because it is cold at night time.

Erdaoqiao Bazaar

After visiting main sights and museums, tasting exotic dishes of local cuisine and having a rest in one of the parks, travelers as a rule are usually puzzled by souvenirs buying – such pleasant things, which remind us about perfect trip at home, which revive in our memory flavors and sounds of far countries. Urumqi is the most successful place in Xinjiang for buying souvenirs and if you ask locals whether it is better place to buy national goods, everyone will answer you that this place is “Erdaoqiao” bazaar. Nowadays this bazaar is known as a “Grand Bazaar” or “Big bazaar”. This market is called “the fair of the people from all over the world”. In evening hundreds of traders whose screams are drowned out by live music gather there. Bazaar looks like a large colorful mosaic consisting of numerous shops, where people sell embroidered Uygur headdresses, heavy silver ornaments, elegant knives, colorful handmade carpets, silk clothes, etc.

It is possible to buy the sweetest raisin, dried apricots, orient spices, nuts and other dried fruits. Don’t forget to trade with customers as you can buy things twice cheaper. This bazaar is the largest wholesale and retail market of national goods in Xinjiang. It is easy to find bazaar as it is placed in the center of the city on main highway road of Urumqi and it can be found and recognized by new pavilions, decorated in Arabian architectural style. The total area of the bazaar is about 35 thousand sq. m. and it contains more than 600 shops with various goods and products.

Xinjiang Museum

Xinjiang Museum of Local Lore located in Urumqi on Xibei Lu street represents a large scientific-educational complex contains exhibition halls as well as Xinjiang cultural relics study center. Xinjiang Museum of Local Lore was constructed in 1953 in Uygur architectural style; the total square of exhibition area is 7800 sq. m. More than fifty thousand exhibits illustrate cultural features of minority living in Xinjiang and introduce visitors with history of this region.

It is possible to see here ancient silk clothes, which got there through the Great Silk Road: ancient pictures and embroidery, traditional clothing and headdresses of locals, rich carpets, and tableware found in excavations, etc. The most curious exhibits are 10 ancient mummies so called “the singing dead of Takla Makan desert”. These mummies whose age is about 2200-3800 years were found in desert not far away from Urumqi in 20th century and became the real sensation in scientific world. Mummies were called “singing” as their mouths were open as they scream or sing. Because of very dry climate

Tatar and Qinghai mosques

Diaspora. The complex was reconstructed in 1919 with the support of Dekhe Yanshan – local philanthropist. Nowadays the mosque – is important Islamic center in Urumqi, main thing in religious activity of local Kazakh, Tatar, Uygur, Uzbek and Hui people. The total area of whole complex is about 3000 sq. m. where main hall occupies 800 sq. km. with capacity of 1000 people. Mosque is decorated in Tatar cult architectural style: the upper part is crowned with a golden tower in the form of crescent; columns, cornices, doors and beams are decorated with carving and plaster moldings with complicated ornament in the form of flowers or geometric paintings.

There are no any images of animals as well as in other mosques. Beside chapels there are rooms for Koran studying, reception hall, rest room for Imam and other rooms. Tatar mosque is opened for tourists but visitors must follow the rules: mustn’t wear shorts, short skirts and open t-shirts; clothing must be modest, low-key and closed; shoes must be taken of before entering the mosque; it is prohibited to raise a voice, to use foul language or laugh.

Qinghai mosque was constructed in 1868 with the support of Qinghai Hui people (Chinese Muslims) and it was called Xining at first. Later in 1918 and 1947 mosque was generally reconstructed. Brick-wooden complex has total area 1 232 sq. m. and consist of main prayer hall and yard with the gates. Its capacity is about 500 people.

Shanxi Mosque

This big orient mosque, which holds about thousand people, was constructed in the period of Qing dynasty and reconstructed in 1906. The mosque is protected by the state and belongs to the key relics of culture. Unlike other mosques it was built from traditional brick as wooden buildings of Chinese central region.

Majestic and wonderful monument of architecture with 40 red columns is affronted to east side. Above the arch there is carved an inscription “White Koran”. The elevated part is “Moon Pavilion”. This is a place from where Imam of the mosque watches the moon and proclaim about that. This pavilion is octagonal which is rare in Xinjiang.

National Park of Urumqi

National Park has 115-year history. Initially the name of the park was Jianhu Park or Western Park as it is located on the west side of “Western bridge” of Urumqi. Park is parted in traditional Chinese style of park architecture: Danfenggchayong Tower, Longweng Temple, Zhuixia Pavilion, Xiaochun Pavilion, Jianhu Pavilion, Yueweichaotang Chamber. This is nice place for rest, very green with large number of flowers. It is situated on the place where officers who built the Urumqi had a rest.

There a lot of marvelous sites for rest: Children Entertainment Park, skating rink. Ancient lake is filled with boats. In spring and autumn there held exhibitions of flowers, potted landscape exhibition, exhibition of portrait painting, photography exhibition. There is also held ice carving and the skating rink opening.

Yarkent

Yarkend is a city in the North-Western China in the valley of the Yarkend River on the western edge of Takla-Makan sand dessert to the South-East from Kashgar and to the North-West from Khotan. In ancient times it was the place for halt of caravans.

Yarkent

This is oasis and city in Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region of China, located to the south-east from Kashgar and to the north-west from Hotan 1189 meters above the sea level. It is divided into It gives its name from the Yarkend River. The old city consists of several districts surrounded by walls. It was as a place for caravan’s halt which were moving on the Great Silk Road. Yarkend became known from 2-nd century BC. In the end of the 1-st century Yarkend was submitted to Han troops of Ban Chao and gave up the leadership to neighboring oases Kashgar and Kargalyk. It was revived in the times of Tan dynasty. In the 3-d century it was conquered by Mongols and it was called as the pearl in Chagatai nomad camp.

In the end of 16th century Yarkend accepted the supremacy of Kashgar rulers. Yarkend became the part of Chinese empire in the middle of 18th century. Yarkend oasis occupies the area of 3210 sq. km and it differs by fruitful soil. Horse breeding, sheep breeding and camel breeding are well developed here. City is also well known by its fabrics. The population of Yarkend is mostly Uygur-Muslims, Chinese people and also Indian people and Tajiks. The main sightseeing places of this ancient city are Altyn mosque, where walls are covered with painted patterns, and the tomb Amanisahan (1526-1560) – the wife of local ruler. It is also possible to see several Khans’ tombs more near the tomb in the ancient graveyard.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region is territorial administrative unit of the Peoples Republic of China, which is situated on the northern-west part of the country. The total area of Xinjiang is one and half of million sq. km (about sixth part of China.). It is the biggest region among its provinces. The administrative centre is Urumqi. Xinjiang has borders with Mongolia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

Traditional spiritual culture of Xinjiang takes an important part in development of national cultures and in formation of modern culture of autonomous region even under the modern changed social-cultural and political conditions. Traditional spiritual culture is not only summative part of modern culture but also enriches it with ancient traditions and gives national coloring and ethnic originality. In modern culture traditional culture exists in the form of its preservation, development and use of particular national attributes.

Tea ceremony in Xinjiang

In ancient times Chinese people paid a great attention to a tea ceremony. Tea ceremony is an important part of Xinjiang culture. Each mealtime is followed by tea drinking. Long time ago The Great Silk Road passed through this region and by this way tea was brought to Xinjiang, as it hadn’t been cultivated here before. There are a numerous kinds of tea in Xinjiang: brick tea, milk tea, floral tea, herbal tea etc. There is a popular proverb: It is possible to eat nothing the whole day, but it is impossible to live a day without tea.

There are various peculiarities of tea ceremony in different parts of Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region. In the south of region (Kashgar and Hotan cities) it is customary to add cinnamon, clove and cumin in tea. Locals call this kind of tea as Uygur tea. Beside the ordinary brick tea, milk tea and floral tea there is also one more kind of tea which should be told about. A bluish dogbane grows on the banks of Tarim and Konchedarya rivers. A special herbal tea is prepared by leaves and flowers of this plant. Many years ago the inhabitants of this land got know about healing power of this herb.

Traditional clothes

Fabrics for clothes production are mainly cotton. Silk, velvet and felt are usually used for holiday cloth production. The inhabitants of Lobnor wore clothes which were made of dogbane and in winter they wore robes lined with duck pelts. Taglyks used handmade woolen cloths.

Cuisine

Uygur cuisine is diversified and rich by numerous of delicious meals. Different spices are usually added to meals, where the most special is “Parthian anise” (“Tszizhan” in Uygur language). The most favorite beverage is milk tea and the most favorite pastry is bread “nun” with onion and spices, which is baked in tandyr. The best bread “nun” is baked in Kuqa city in special tandyrs on branches of apricot tree. In general there are several types of “bitszyake” bread baked in Kuqa, but the most popular is big bread (big flapjack).

Pilaf is also widely spread meal of Uygur traditional cuisine. It includes the following components: crumbly rice fried on seed oil with lamb, red and yellow carrot, raisin, onion and spices.

The tastiest meal is lamb shish kebab flavored with anise, salt and pepper. One can taste it in any corner of China. Slices of lamb are strung on skewers and baked on coals in tin grill.

Melons and various fruits very important part in food take. Uygur people also cook soup from unripe peaches and apricots with flour. Lobnor people used to eat fish with meat of wild birds and animals.

The national cuisine of Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region is unique and exquisite. All visitors will enjoy it in beautiful cafes and restaurants with national interior, which are ornamented in traditional Uygur style.

Women’s wear

The national women’s wear is a long dress of straight tunic style of clothing with straight armholes for sleeves and stand-up collar. Sleeves of this dress are long and sometimes with cuffs. Over the dress women wore sleeveless jacket, sides, collar and lower part which were sheathed with braid. Women’s bloomers are wide below and tied at the ankle; sometimes they are decorated with embroidery or colored ribbon. Clasps are placed on breast side. Earlier women always wore dresses with necklines on shoulders; neckband and buttonstands were decorated with colored ribbons and buttoned up or knotted by inkle. The married women wore dresses with galloons of transverse ribbons on breast side (in Khotan and Kurla).

The difference between men’s and women’s outerwear was in colors: women’s outer garments were bright colored (yellow, red, green) and had no belt. Also they put on short quilted sweater (“chamcha”), jackets or sleeveless jackets of Manchu cut with indicative neckline and wide right flap. Winter women’s clothes were similar to men’s: in poor families wife and husband had the only one fur. Babies put on jumpers (shirt, trousers and stockings sewed together).

Long time ago women did straight part of hair, forelocks were on forehead and tied hair in five braids; only after birth of baby women could tied two braids or after the special ceremony of braiding. They also plaited to the braids silk black ribbons with tassels or special falderal “chachguch” (made of black ribbons and tassels with silver pendants). Women put on skullcap decorated with embroidery and beads. In winter they put on fur caps with wide cap-bands; big white kerchief of muslin was sewed to the cap. Rich women put on caps with fur of otter; in south regions caps were made of sheep fur. Lobnor women put on white kerchief over the cap and tie it on chin.

Uygur women were also fond of wearing jewelry: rings with gem, earrings and bracelets. The earrings were silver, hoop-typed; to the neck they put on coral or glass beads. Clothes were decorated with coral or gem buttons, bordered with gold and silver. Neckbands, yokes of dresses, cap-bands of skullcaps, bloomers were decorated with embroider ribbons. Nowadays informal dresses are decorated with galloons of colored chintz.

Man’s wear

The men’s wear is long swing shirt with long wide sleeves and bloomers (“ishtan” or “tambal”), which are tied on waist by lace. Turfan people wear short shirt (“kalta khantai”) under the main shirt. The outerwear is the robes of different colors and short quilted sweater (“chamcha”). The robe “chapan” is sewed with backing and covered with dark colored or striped cotton cloth. Clasps are placed over the neck and on breast side.

In winter they wore fur coats made of sheepskin; trousers on wadding or wide leather trousers lined with fur. Shirt, robe and sweater were tied by rolled scarf. Sometimes they hung knife in sheath, handkerchief, pipe and pouch on waist. Uygur men put on leather slippers, soft leather or morocco “ichigis” (“maisa”) of green or red color; outside they put on galoshes (“kepish”). Most of people put on leather boots with heels, which are usually high. Under the boots they wore woolen socks, which are look like stockings. Skullcap or “dopa” is a traditional headdress. The old skullcap consists of wide cylinder part with round or conical top; it was sheathed by another cloth on the edge. Nowadays men wear small square skullcap. They also wear fur cap (“tumak”).

Wedding

Wedding is one of the most interesting feasts in Uygur culture. Its rite can be divided into three periods: pre-wedding, wedding and after-wedding.

As a rule, another main custom that precedes the wedding ceremony – marriage proposal. It takes place after mutual agreement to marry of bride and groom. Usually marriage brokers are father of a groom, several close relatives and respected people.

When the marriage brokers come to the bride’s house they inform about the purpose of their coming. Parents of a bride shouldn’t consent at once. Marriage brokers come to agreement after blandishments and consent of bride’s close relatives.

Before the main celebration “toi” Uygur people feast “tatlik cheyi” (sometimes “makul cheyi”, “tazim cheyi”, “kichik cheyi”) when groom’s relatives give presents to bride’s parents for their consent, negotiate provision of the “toi” and appoint “selik”.

“Selik” it is presents for bride, her parents and relatives; groom’s presents for bride’s mother (“anilik”) as gratitude for mothering is also included. Perhaps later “selik” was replaced by “kalim” (it was attested in Chinese Ancient chronicle).

“Selik” also include all the costs related to wedding banquet at bride’s house. Amount of “selik” is always different and depends on groom’s financial status.

Nowadays one of the most important wedding aspects is “jigit beshi” – respected person who knows well all the rites and customs, has organizational skills. His position appointed by community. “Jigit beshi” declares the amount of “selik” arranged by the community; settles a dispute between groom’s and bride’s relatives.

Sometimes stealing the bride (“kiz apkechish”) takes place in Xinjiang. This situation linked to the disagreement of bride’s parents for marriage.

Wedding lasts three days. One day before the wedding groom’s relatives deliver all the necessary products for “toi” celebration to bride’s house. This custom is called “mal-guruch”. Also they bring young bull; white kerchief that bride should have at wedding day is tied to bull’s horns. In the afternoon relatives of the groom take a view of bride’s house. All the relatives of bride and groom take part in cutting carrot for pilaf – “savzya kalyam”. In the evening is tableful, when relatives of bride and groom meet each other – “tag melisi”. Specific peculiarity of this custom is that at first bride’s relatives lay the table for groom’s relatives and then groom’s relatives attend at the table to bride’s relatives.

On the wedding eve bridesmaid with her mother come to bride’s house; bring two trays of sweets. After the consent of bride’s parents they take bride to their house. There at wedding day bridal shower takes place – “kiz melisi”. Groom also celebrates guy’s party at his friend’s house.

In the morning of the wedding day bride’s relatives act as host; at first men than women. Joy, music, dances and entertainments are presented.

After end of the banquet groom’s relatives start the rite of opening the dower chest – “sanduk echish”; all the contents are shown to guests – this is trousseau of the groom and presents of his relatives. Showing the trousseau is organized by respected woman of bride’s relatives. After the ceremony dower chest and trousseau is given to groom’s mother.

The most important moment of the wedding is wedding ceremony – “neka”. At first groom’s friends purchase the bride from her friend’s house; helpmate is wife of groom’s brother or uncle (“yangya”). Then engaged couple come to bride’s house where the wedding ceremony takes place. “Neka” is held by mullah. Bride and groom should drink from cup where water, sugar, salt and bread are mixed. Salt is a symbol of strength of love, sugar is a symbol of sweet life; bread is a symbol of welfare. The first who eat bread will rule in family. After this ceremony the bride is taken to groom’s house. She gets blessing of her parents and tells goodbye to them.

Another high light of the wedding is the rite of making a fire in front of groom’s house before bride and groom come inside. The couple hand in hand circuits the fire three times. This rite saves a newly married couple from hardships and brings family harmony.

On the following day after wedding “toi” parents of the groom invite to their house relatives and friends of the bride (“uzashka” or “chilak”). This custom is designed to raise acquaintance of groom’s and bride’s relatives.

After the wedding groom and his friends visit close relatives of bride (“salamga kelish”) and take presents from them. Also the newly married couple visits bride’s parents every Friday. This tradition came from ancient times when there were matrilokal communities in Xinjiang. Mother of bride combed bride’s hair and weaved braids.

Childbirth

The important moment in the life of family is childbirth. Modern Uygurs take all customs and traditions, which are connected with childbirth, upbringing, naming, solemn putting the child in cradle – “boshuk toi”, forty days – “kirik suyi”, ritual circumcision – “sunnet toi” etc into execution.

Woman according to the custom bears her child in mother’s home. This custom is originated from matrilocal marriage. Bride’s mother comes to groom’s house and asks his permission to take her pregnant daughter into her apartment - “tilep elish”. Mother is accompanied by relatives with gifts. After childbirth mother takes care after daughter and child, as it is considered that newborn baby and mother are under the actions of evil, that’s why they must be protected.

All customs, which are related with motherhood and childhood, have the only one aim – is to preserve child’s life. Husband’s relatives and mullah are invited to the naming of the child on the 12th day after childbirth. During 40 days women with gifts and various meals come to mother’s house, what is considered as assistance in taking care of the daughter. On the 40th day they make a bathing of child – “kirik suyi”. They put a pinch of salt, adrasman, 1-2 pieces of refined sugar and coins. All, who are present on this ritual, pour water into saucepan from container with water.

Every woman, who takes part in this ritual, should say her wishes to child. They wash child in heated water and cut kid’s hairs and nails in the first time. The next childbirths and their “kirik suyi” are in the father’s house. On the appointed day after “kirik suyi” father’s parents come with redemption and needed products for “boshuk toi” – solemn putting child in cradle. Relatives and close people are invited to the “boshuk toi”. Often expanses for holding this celebration are paid by the mother of bride; besides she provides gifts for daughter and child’s dowry. Sister of the young mother or “yange”, who took care of child, is gifted more than others. In present time there is reappearing of “chushav toi” custom. This custom is the following: on the first days, when child begins to walk, they hobble his legs. Then the respected woman in middle ages cuts these hobbles. They say that after this ritual kids won’t fall and stumble.

This ritual accompanied with joy and treatments for women and kids. Boys’ circumcision – “sunnet toi” usually takes place at the age of 5-7 years old. Usually lavish ceremony is held only for the first son. As a rule this is the first “sunnet toi” which is held by young father, as a special test for maturity. The hero of occasion usually invites friends and relatives himself. The boy is accompanied by relatives walked around all invited people. The ritual of circumcision is made by Mullah in separate room. The attention of boy is diverted from fear by gifts and money. This event is held in other rooms with music, song singing and dances. The parents of the child get gifts and person who made circumcision is gifted too.

Mashrap

Mashrap – is an ancient custom, which is followed by Uygurs, and in other words this is an evening of rest. It starts in late autumn and goes on until spring, gathering men of the same age in one place who live in the same district or village and have the same interests. The participants of such meetings are called – “thirty dzhigits” – “ottuz ogul”.

“Mashrap” – is a school of ethical and aesthetic upbringing. It reveals people, who are talented by musical or poetic abilities; it is also the school of discipline and responsibility training in collective. The head of the collective is chosen in the very beginning of meeting, who has right to assign a musician, dancer, cooker. The judge – “kazi” is also chosen and he can punish the stumbled member of “Mashrap”.

Such meetings are accompanied by folk songs singing, mukams and dancing. But here people don’t only have a rest and fun. Participant of such meetings can learn here many new useful things by the way of conversations and discussions in a lot of spheres of life. Maybe that’s why Uygurs call ignorant man “mashrap kormigen” (person who doesn’t know mashrap). It is also friends, who are ready to help in happiness and in distress; sometimes the participants of the same “mashrap” become closer than relatives to each other.

Столица

Urumqi

Площадь

1 743 441 km²

Населения

21 813 334

Язык

Uygur, Chinese

Валюта

Yuan

The history of Xinjiang Autonomous Republic can be read in its changing names: from Eastern Turkestan (Uyguristan) – to Xinjiang, or “new border”, as it was called in Tsin Empire during colonization. Xinjiang occupies the 6th part of Chinese territory and it borders with eight countries. From the ancient times Turkestan and Dzungaria (both countries are the territory of Xinjiang nowadays) were inhabited by nomad cattle and hunting tribes (in desert and mountain areas) as well as settled agricultural tribes – on rivers’ valleys. These tribes were Iranian-Turkic and Mongolian.

География

Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous region is situated on the North-West of China. The total area of Xinjiang is 1664, 9 sq. km. It covers 1/6 part of the territory and this is the largest administration unit of China according to the square. Xinjiang borders with Mongolia and Russia in the north-east, with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the north-west, with Afghanistan, Pakistan and India in the south-west. Xinjiang was very important point on the Great Silk Road and nowadays it is very important point on the way between Asia and Europe. The distinctive feature of Xinjiang is weaving of 3 mountain systems with 2 large gorges: Dzungarian and Tarim gorge formed by Altai mountain chain in the north, Tien-Shan mountain chain in the west and Kunlun mountain chain in the east.

Altai Mountains stretched in the north; Kunlun, Karakorum and Altyntag mountain systems – in the south; high Tien-Shan mountains stretched in the central part and divide Xinjiang into southern and northern parts. The Tarim gorge is located in the south and its total square more than 530 thousand sq. km. Dzungarian gorge is situated in the north and its total about 380 thousand sq. km. As Xinjiang is located far away from oceans and it’s surrounded by high mountain ridges, the climate is sharp continental. The average temperature is 9.3̊ C. About 117 mm of precipitation falls in a year on plains, what approximately occupies the 4th part of annual number of rainfalls in a country; therefore Xinjiang is area of dry climate. Here winters are long and severe, summer is short and hot. Climate is changeable in spring and autumn. Turpan valley is the hottest area in China. The highest temperature, which has been registered here was 49,6̊ C. The lowest temperature was registered in Fuyun county is -51,5̊ C.

Климат

The features of China’s climate are determined by sharp differences of atmospheric pressure in winter and summer seasons. China occupies a large part of Asian mainland, which is cooled faster than seas adjoining to it. Looses of heat goes very fast on high plateaus. In summer time the mainland is heated more than sea. The warm air widens and rises, that’s why there is formed an extensive area of low pressure (cyclone) over the Tibet. The streams of very moist air rush there from South China and East China seas bringing abundant summer rainfalls in South and Central China. As deeper air masses penetrate into continent as drier they become and there are fewer rainfalls. Thus the climate of China is monsoonal; it is characterized by seasonal changes of atmosphere pressure and winds.

Tarim basin is the most arid region of China, which is isolated from moist south-eastern summer winds. For instance 100 mm of precipitation a year falls in Kashgar, while two-thirds fall to April – June. Usually the sky is cloudless, due to daily and annual amplitudes of temperature. The average temperature in Kashgar in January is -6̊ C, in July +20̊ C. The percentage of moisture in summer lowers to 25%. The driest parts of basin are completely devoid of vegetation. In surrounding mountains – Kunlun, Altyntag and Tian Shan at great heights are spread highly productive alpine meadows, but in rest parts are predominate steppe landscapes.

The climate of Xinjiang is dry, sharp continental, highly variable in time and space with abundant sunlight and low precipitation (150 mm a year). Comparing with other regions placed on the same height Xinjiang differs by the duration of frost free period and sunlight with high heat accumulation and sharp daily fluctuations of temperature. All this creates favorable conditions for development of agriculture, rice cultivation, sericulture cattle breeding and especially for cultivation of cotton, fruits and melons.

Янв+1 °C

Telephone

Trunk-line telephones which can be found in special kiosks around the country are widely used for everyone can make a phone call in any part of China. Guests can also use the link services in any hotel. In order for one to call to another country he should get a card from porter (it is better to call by card as it is cheaper for 20%).

Mobile Phone

It is advisable to buy Chinese SIM cards for making telephone rings around the country. The mobile telecom network is rather cheap. At first you should get to know whether there is 3G on your tariff. The basic Chinese mobile phone providers are China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. IP-telephony is also well-developed in China. So it is possible to make use of it. The phone calls to other countries are cheaper, if you dial-up a special prefix before phone number which is usually used for IP-telephony.

Internet

Nowadays the Internet in China consists of main four parts: China Net – is the leading commercial network belonging to the Ministry of information industry; Golden Bridge Network – is a smaller commercial network of Jitong corporation; China science &Technology Network scientific network; China Educational & Research academic network, which combines educational and academic institutions. These four networks weren’t connected between each other and all internetworking contacts passed through USA. Today they are connected by loaded to the limit channels 128kb/s and the work is already underway on the construction of fiber optic and wireless SCDMA channels. Most of users in China connect to internet by dial-up telephone lines. For instance the clients of China Net enter the network through the telephone code which is common for the whole country.

Post

The China Post is a state enterprise and it is a member of Universal Postal Union almost from the beginning of the 20th century, but in spite of that its modern infrastructure was formed only in 1949. Nowadays the number of post offices of China Post exceeds 82 thousand and the number of workers is almost 900 thousand. The service of China post includes registration, shipping, sorting, sending and delivery of internal and international postal items. There are more than two hundred post offices of sorting and processing, the largest offices are located in Shanghai and Beijing. The registration of mailing from China is almost has no difference with other countries. Besides it is possible to send and pay remotely in Internet. This way of sending is more favorable, as electronic handlings are processed above all.

As other post operators – the members of UPU, China Post obey the rules which regulate limitation of receiving parcels with weight until 20 kg. In the case when shipment is made by EMS express service, this limit increases to 31 kg. The terms of delivery are about two months or more in particular circumstances. In winter holidays the delivery terms become longer as 2-3 weeks in February (New Year on the lunar calendar) China Post doesn’t work at all. It is possible to get your order earlier only with the help of EMS service, which abide by the terms and meet deadlines.

Currency

Yuan (Renminbi or RMB) is the official currency unit of People’s Republic of china. Renminbi means “People’s currency” and in English it is “Chinese Yuan”. Yuan is issued since October 1 in 1949. The international designation on ISO is 4217 – CNY. The rate of Yuan to foreign currencies was established through the pound sterling and Hong-Kong dollar. In 1974 on August there was established daily quotation rate of Yuan to US dollar.

Since 1994 there was established a strict peg between the rate of Yuan and US dollars (1 RMB/8.27 USD). In July of 2005 People’s Bank of China refused the peg of Yuan to US dollar, but the rate of Yuan became determined in accordance to currency basket. In result of exchange rate reform Yuan became more expansive in relation with US dollar for 25%, with Euro – for 14%. The banknote has relief inscription, hologram and transparent window. On banknotes of small denominations there are no any protective stripes and the level of protection is lower. There is a portrait of Mao Zedong on all banknotes.

The coins differ from each other by material of manufacture and flower depicted on coin: 10 Jiao is made of aluminum and orchid on the reverse; 50 Jiao is made of copper and lotus on reverse; 1 Yuan is made of nickel-plated steel and chrysanthemum on the reverse. In the special administrative regions of China there is circulated their own currency: Hong Kong (Siangan) – Hong Kong dollar; Macao (Aomin) – pataca of Macao; Taiwan – Taiwan dollar.

January 1 – New Year

Until the 20th century New Year was celebrated according the lunar calendar instead of European. Even nowadays Chinese people still don’t celebrate this public holiday without perceiving it as a holiday which signifies the change of years. On the 27th of September in 1949 the government of recently formed People’s Republic of China decided to call the first day of lunar calendar as “The holiday of Spring” (Chūnjié), but the 1st of January in western calendar – “Yuan-Dan”. Beginning from this time January 1 became an official holiday of China.

However this holiday goes without feasts, New Year celebrations and traditional glittering Christmas trees and gifts. Only in large stores and trade centers one can see artificial Christmas trees and Santa Claus toys.

March 8

International women’s day is the official holiday of Xinjiang and whole China. But in fact in this day only women work half of a day here. The day of working women’s solidarity in struggle for rights equality and emancipation in China lost its sense. Here this holiday became as mothers' honoring instead of other countries, where usually men give various gifts, presents and flowers to beloved women and their mothers both. The first time when this international holiday was celebrated here was in 1924.

Working women carried out demonstration in Guanzhou city under the management of Chinese Communist party. The first woman in China who was standing for their rights was Khe Xianing. She’s like a Clara Zetkin, but in China. This holiday became official after forming People’s Republic of China in 1949.

March 12 – Arbor Day

March 12 is a spring holiday – The Arbor Day - it is an official holiday of China and Taiwan. Mass tree plantings are held annually around the whole country on the 12th of March in the day of prominent revolutionist’s Sun Yatsen’s death. Sun Yatsen stood out with initiative of mass tree planting, in which nowadays the chiefs of parties and government take a part.

In 1981 on the 4th session of Fifth National Congress of China there was adopted a Resolution on the unfolding of a nationwide voluntary tree-planting campaign, where there was established a holding of the Arbor Day in China. Resolution concerns that every citizen at the age from 11 to 60 years old has to plant and grow up from 3 to 5 trees once a year. If the citizen is not able to plant a tree because of particular circumstances, he or she should do the work equal to planting – seeding, cultivation, weeding, trees cutting, etc.

April 4

Qingming festival or Tomb sweeping day – is a holiday which is associated with the time when bright and clear days come. It was considered that Yang and Yin are equilibrate on this day. The sky (Yang) fertilizes the earth (Yin) and a new life starts.

On the day of Qingming festively dressed people walk on the streets holding the branches of willow and fly a kite, that’s why the Qingming holiday is also called as day of walking on the first spring grass. In present time on the day of this holiday people began to arrange events in memory of revolutionists fallen in battle and killed heroes. This festival lasts several days. In these days people clean graves, make ritual sacrifices and arrange memorial dinners.

May 1– Labour Day

The 1st of May is the official national holiday of the People’s Republic of China. The first, second and third days are officially free. Because of various holidays’ moving on the 1st of May, they have 7 days off. The emergence of Labour Day in China was formed in 1918, when revolutionary intelligent people started to spread leaflets about this day in Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and other places. On the 1st of May in 1920 there were held the first demonstrations devoted to the Labour Day in Beijing, Shanghai etc.

May 1 was announced as official holiday by the Chinese governmental resolution on December in 1949. Nowadays during this week people can meet with their friends and relatives or just have a rest. On this holiday it is also possible to see festive performances and concerts in theatres, squares and TV. Families with their friends visit different holiday events, have a trip around different cities, go to cinemas, shops etc.

June 1

June 1 - International Children’s day was announced as official feast on the 23rd of December in 1949 by governmental resolution (in Chinese this holiday is called Ertong Jie – “Children’s day”). One of the oldest international holidays is International Children’s Day. The taking a decision of its carrying was adopted in 1925 in Geneva on the world conference relative to the children’s welfare problems. History dissembles the matter why it was approved to solemnize this feast on the 1st of June.

In accordance with one of the versions General council of China provided Dragon Boat festival (Duanwujie) for orphans in San-Francisco and the celebration of this event was on the 1st of June in 1925. This day was concured with the day of conference in Geneva.

August 1

People’s liberation army of China was founded on August 1 in 1927; therefore the day of its founding is solemnized every year. The name of this day was given in 1946, but before it had been called Worker-Peasant revolutionary army, Worker-Peasant red army, the eighth army and new fourth corps. People’s liberation army consists of naval forces, military air forces, land forces and technical forces.

For the last years only thematic releases in press, and celebrations for military servicemen organized on governmental level reminds about this holiday. Thus formerly anniversaries of party and army were widely solemnized with ceremonial parades.

1st of October

One of the grandiose holidays in the People’s Republic of China is National Day that is solemnized on the 1st of October. In the 1950th grandiose military parade was the part of solemnization of the festival; it was held on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing. After 1959 China governmental authorities decided to stage the parade only on the anniversaries, but later the parade was annuled because of the Cultural Revolution. And only in 1984 (the 35th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China Formation) forces and military vehicles marched forefront of the grandstands.

Celebration of this holiday lasts seven days. This week is one of three annual off-time weeks in China (“gold weeks”). Except the week of rejoicing National Day of the People’s Republic of China other two are Chun Jie holiday (traditional New Year of the lunar calendar) and solemnization of Labor Day (the 1st of May).

On the 1st of October festivities held in the central parks of China; in the evening people also can watch great fireworks.

22nd of December

Every year winter solstice happens to be on the 21st and 22nd of December: the shortest day and the longest night. After the winter solstice days become longer and nights become shorter.

In Ancient China people thought that from this period of time “men’s strength” of nature rose and new cycle began. That is why the day of winter solstice considered being happy day; it was hold worthy of celebration.

Moon cake festival

People of China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines start to sell small cakes with the decorative ornament in the form of Chinese hieroglyphs in the second half of September. Such original and delicious cookery is called Chinese moon cake or just Yue bing. “Zhongqiujie” festival, which means “Mid-autumn”, loses its religious meaning outside of China, when the time of worship to Chinese goddess of Moon – Chang E comes.

The inwrought cakes (muffins) with meat or sweet filling are sold in this time as a symbol of Chinese culture. The sweet moon cakes may be bought not by only religious people.